A comedy entrepreneur, a young mother, a film producer and a mental health activist are among the finalists in the 2014 WA Youth Awards.
Announcing the 26 finalists, Youth Minister Tony Simpson said these outstanding young people had all triumphed, often in tough circumstances.
"Whether they live in a remote area, have a disability or have suffered prejudice at school, these young people are proof that future leaders can find tenacity and strength in adversity," Mr Simpson said.
"Each of these finalists is making their mark in Western Australia by contributing selflessly to the lives of others. They are amazing role models and mentors."
Jenna Woods from Gosnells is an inspirational example of how young people can turn their lives around. She became pregnant at 16 when she had little formal education and was a carer for her mother. She enrolled in a bridging program at university and that was the turning point in her life. She now studies fulltime at Murdoch University and is a research assistant at the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre.
Jenna recently represented WA at the National Indigenous Youth Parliament and will soon become chair of the Save the Children Youth Leadership Roundtable.
The WA Youth Awards were established in 1999 to recognise young West Australians aged 12 to 25 years for their achievements and contributions to the community.
One individual category winner will be chosen as the WA Young Person of the Year and will have the opportunity to travel throughout the State as WA's youth ambassador.
The WA Youth Awards also reward outstanding youth groups and organisations that serve and support the State's young people.
Fact File
The awards are presented by the Youth Affairs Council of WA in partnership with the Department of Local Government and Communities and supported by Lotterywest
The awards will be held on November 20 in Perth
For more information, visit http://www.yacwa.org.au/wayouthawards/
Minister's office - 6552 6600
